Factory workers at a Nissan plant in Canton, Mississippi are set to vote later this week on whether or not they plan to unionize. The vote comes amid a vicious and long anti-union campaign by Nissan. Workers, unionized workers, politicians, and union leaders from the United Auto Workers (UAW) have been out in full force to get workers to agree to unionize. Though Nissan is accused of having bribed workers and threatened them with harsh penalties, there’s very little chance the auto maker will face a penalty, here’s why.

Nissan will hire an anti-union firm to deal with any violations. Nissan will win.

Nissan’s Workforce in Canton, Mississippi

Nissan’s workforce in Canton has never been unionized. The issue with the plant’s workers unionizing is that a foreign car company has never joined a US car builders union before. It raised concerns among union leaders, however, the concerns have since been resolved. Now, many of Nissan’s workers want to unionize. However, Nissan strongly opposes unionization of its workers.

When Nissan made the announcement that they planned to unionize, Nissan launched an all out anti-union campaign. Anti-union campaigns are 100% legal, however, Nissan might have overstepped its boundaries.

After the plant’s workers announced plans to unionize, Nissan worked with state leaders and higher ups to create a way in which they could persuade its workers to vote no. Managers and non-floor workers would wear “Vote NO” shirts to work, workers were required to attend sessions about the dangers of unions, and finally, workers were threatened with termination. However, as mentioned, it appears Nissan might have overstepped its boundaries.

Nissan is suspected of bribing workers and issuing threats to make workers vote no. Additionally, the extent to which Nissan campaigned for a no vote has also come under fire. Now, the auto company faces possible legal issues and its workers will likely vote to unionize.

Labor Union Avoidance Law Firms, Corrupt State Leaders

Nissan is a powerful corporation worldwide. However, the company has a distinct power in Canton it doesn’t have everywhere. The factory in Canton, MS brings in tax revenue for the state and keeps people employed. Mississippi’s ultra-conservative leaders will most likely work alongside Nissan to ensure the auto maker can avoid any fines or legal trouble over the union vote. The governor of Mississippi himself even threatened Nissan’s workers.

Additionally, Nissan has a lot of money. This means the auto group can hire anti-union law firms to work on avoiding fines and penalties after the campaign. These firms are vicious and well connected ensuring companies like Nissan can avoid labor disputes.

Though Nissan’s Canton workforce will likely unionize, Nissan will still get away penalty and fine free.

Tips to Keep Your Child Sharp Over The Summer

Somehow, we’re nearly through the month of June. A whole month of summer vacation out the door! Just a month and a half left before kids and teens make their way back to school. You might be very thankful for summer vacation. For parents, it’s a break from carpool, homework, PTA meetings, testing, and after school activities. Similarly, kids all over the country are rejoicing that, at least for a few months, they aren’t forced to sit in a classroom for seven hours a day, five days a week. While parents can spend more time focusing on work or things around the house, kids everywhere are taking to the pools, to backyards, and of course, to video game consoles. That’s great. Parents deserve a break as do children and teenagers. However, you shouldn’t completely neglect the fact that, just because it’s summer, it doesn’t mean your child isn’t still developing. This three month period is pivotal to ensure children and teen retain and build on the knowledge and skills they acquire during the school year. Here are a few tips to keep kids and teens sharp this summer.

Summer Reading is a Must

Most middle schoolers and pretty much every high schooler are required to read a least one book over the summer. Whether it’s for a course or as a school, older kids and teens are almost guaranteed to have to read over the summer. However, young children and grade schooler aren’t typically required to participate in any summer reading. School districts or private institutions might encourage students to join summer reading programs. Still, there’s no guarantee that students will make an effort to read during the summer months. This puts one of the most vulnerable and formable age groups at risk for reading at a lower grade level when they return to classes in the fall.

The simplest solution to the summer reading dilemma is required your child to read a chapter book. Implement both a rewards system and disciplinary system. If your child finishes a certain number of chapters or pages, reward them with a sweet trip, trip to an amusement park, or a toy. If your child fails to maintain their summer reading schedule, limit screen time, implement timeouts or require them to do extra chores. Requiring your little one to read throughout their summer break is a fantastic way to ensure they’re ready when classes resume in the fall.

Summer Reading is a Must

Limit Screen Time and Video Games

Phone, tablets, computers, and video game consoles are extremely addictive. Thanks to the internet, the world is at everyone’s fingertips. With movies, YouTube, and games, kids will never grow bored of a cell phone or iPad. If you haven’t noticed, these screens aren’t healthy. Because they’re addictive and interactive, kids and teens can spend hours on these devices uninterrupted. The same goes for video games. Both mobile devices and video games can inhibit developmental growth and distract children from other activities that might benefit them mentally and physically.

Simply limiting screen time will force children and teens to look elsewhere for entertainment this summer. Providing younger kids with picture books, interactive educational games and toys, and outdoor activities that encourage problem-solving and critical thinking will serve as the perfect alternative to cell phones and video games.

Get a Tutor

Unlike the first two tips, getting a tutor requires more involvement on the parent-side and costs money. However, getting a summer tutor is the best way to ensure students retain and build on the knowledge they acquired during the school year. Again, pricey but very effective.

Tutors can assist children and teens in a variety of subjects. From critical subjects like Math and English to ACT test prep in St. Louis, tutors can assist students of all ages. Additionally, tutors can work with children for as little or as much time as you wish. Another option more cost-effective is to enroll students in communal summer courses at community centers or private schools. Educational summer camps are always a safe bet too!

Apple’s Brand New Home Speaker and Google Home Competitor

Today at the Apple World Wide Developer Conference in San Jose, California, tech giant Apple announced a plethora of software and hardware improvements as well as a few new additions. One new addition is Apple’s iMac Pro, Apple’s so-called fastest and most advanced Mac ever. The iMac Pro will retail for $5,000 when it goes on sale in December. Additionally, Apple announced upcoming software updates for both laptops and mobile devices. However, it wasn’t Apple’s $5,000 Mac or details about iOS 11 that got people talking. Apple unveiled their long-awaited Google Home/Amazon Echo competitor; the Apple HomePod.

Apple’s HomePod is designed more like Sonos than Google Home or Amazon Echo. However, ultimately, the Apple HomePod is the closest thing to Google Home and Echo that Apple fans will be able to get their hands on. According to Apple, the main purpose of the device is to serve as a wireless speaker system. Focusing less on incorporating apps and automation, the Apple HomePod features high-quality audio with sensors that automatically adjust the audio based on the user’s location. If you’re an audiophile, the HomePod will likely be your go-to wireless speaker come December. However, the HomePod will also feature Siri-integration.

Apple touted Siri’s ability to become a full on DJ while making consumers guess with regards to third-party app integration and home automation features. Apple says that not only will Siri make a great DJ, but the artificial intelligence will also be able to answer questions, take notes, and close the blinds. These features are much like what’s found with Google Home and Amazon Echo. However, unlike with the reveal of Home and Echo, Apple didn’t reveal what third-party apps will work with the HomePod. Overall, the reveal and consequent press release made the HomePod appear to be more like a speaker than a personal assistant.

Additionally, Apple enthusiasts will have to pay twice the price of Home and Echo to purchase the HomePod. The device retails for $349 and comes in both White and Space Gray. Apple targeted December for when the device will first ship out to customers.

Traits, Characteristics to Look for in a Criminal Defense Attorney

If you’ve been wrongly convicted of a crime, it may seem like the entire world is against. Maybe you’ve lost all hope. That’s not uncommon. When you’re wrongly convicted of a crime, you’re often treated like you actually committed a crime. However, there is hope. Criminal defense attorneys work directly with their clients to ensure the charges are dropped and you can return to a normal life. Here are the top traits and characteristics to look for in a criminal defense attorney.

The Best Criminal Defense Attorneys

Trial Tested Success

Before you settle on a st. louis criminal defense attorney, it’s essential that you know what each attorney’s success rate is. Their success rate is essentially how many cases they’ve won divided by how many cases they’ve represented. However, sometimes the success rate is more detailed. For example, some criminal defense attorneys are able to lessen sentencing.

Regardless, it’s important to take a look at each attorney’s website and do your own research. Some useful sites include SuperLawyer, FindLaw, and Avvo.

Trust and Compassion

As mentioned above, being wrongly convicted can be terrifying and stressful. Some criminal defense attorneys are only in it for the money and publicity. It’s important to always research each attorney. Avoid firms and attorneys that seem super corporate. Defense attorneys that are very corporate or advertise heavily, often neglect clients. Both trust and compassion, essentially humanity, are very important as the process of overturning a conviction will be tough.

Each case is unique, good defense attorneys know this.

Personalised Defense

Each case is different. Too many lawyers and firms treat all cases the same. Each case represents an individual. Criminal defense attornies that fail to recognize each case as unique, will have to work harder and could cost you your freedom. Always make sure that a criminal defense attorney values your life and understands the importance of developing a unique and customized plan.